This Christmas, don't forget real “thank yous”

No doubt, some families will be gathering already this weekend to swap gifts. With that in mind, a recent “Dear Abby” column caught my eye. An Arizona woman wrote to columnist Abigail Van Buren urging people not to forget thank-you notes. The writer wasn't talking about an email but “a real, honest-to-gosh thank-you note sent through the mail with postage.” This woman wrote that her mother always said a gift isn't truly yours until a proper thank-you note is sent. Unfortunately, she wrote, many children today don't learn this in school or from their parents. Even a young child can draw a picture to express thanks and have a parent add a line of gratitude.

Do you ever hear complaints among your relatives about the lack of heartfelt thank-you notes? I know I do.

“While letter-writing or even emailing may seem like a chore, there are times when a handwritten note is the most appropriate means of communicating one's thoughts,” Van Buren replied.

Van Buren even offers a booklet, “How to Write Letters,” that contains samples that can be used for almost any occasion. You can order it by sending your name and mailing address and a check or money order for $7 to: Dear Abby—Letters Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

The price includes shipping and handling. Van Buren says her booklet is handy for people who put off writing because they don't know what to say, whether it's a note of thanks, congratulations or condolences.

Parents, it might be $7 well spent.

Greg Peck can be reached at (608) 755-8278 or gpeck@gazettextra.com. Or follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

Greg Peck can be reached at (608) 755-8278 or gpeck@gazettextra.com. Or follow him on Twitter or Facebook.